Peter's Place

Peter’s Place has served thousands of grieving children and families, schools, and communities in the five-county Philadelphia area. As Children’s Grief Awareness Month ends, we are thankful each and every day for our generous donors, community partners, volunteers, and staff who dedicate themselves to our mission that no child should ever have to grieve alone. Our group participants created their very own balloons to go along with the book, My Yellow Balloon, to recognize this month. Each participant decorated their balloon in a unique way to share about their grief. Some participants wrote advice for others who are grieving, while other chose to share about their person. Remember, we all need a safe space to float, release, and find support when we are grieving. For children and their families, Peter’s Place is that community—a place where comfort, hope, and healing are found through connection and understanding. Together, we will continue to raise awareness. ⭐💚

Our friends at National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) put together this wonderful campaign spotlighting the actions children and teens who are grieving prefer when it comes to supporting them for Children’s Grief Awareness Month. Spotlight #1: Recognize the uniqueness of each person’s grief Understand that each child or teen who is grieving has a unique relationship with the person who died. Meaningful support begins with recognizing each ones uniqueness and listening to their cues about how they would like to be supported. Spotlight #2: Grief is physical, not just emotional Encourage Movement! Physical activities like walking or playing can be vital for young people to express and manage their grief, as it helps them not only to cope but also to connect with their feelings in a healthy way. Let's move together in support of children and teens who are grieving. Spotlight #3: Empower young people’s voices Champion the voices of young people who are grieving. LISTEN. Listen to their personal grief experiences. Allow them time, and validate their feelings, unique experiences, and stories by providing a supportive environment and ensuring they feel heard. Thank You NACG for informing us of these actions and how we can ‘Flip the Script’ on our grief support to children and teens. ⭐💚

We’ve got some exciting news for you! ⭐💚 We’re launching Sam’s Squad, our Monthly Giving Program, and we want YOU to be part of this awesome adventure. Why? Because with YOU on our squad, every contribution helps transform the lives of grieving children, as we believe in the power of collective action and sustained support. How it works: 1. Sam’s Squad is our way of recognizing “The Squad” – donors – who commit to supporting our mission month after month. 2. Join the squad today by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/eWfr4abb 3. Choose a recurring amount that feels comfortable for you. Your donation is set to happen automatically every month. You can increase, decrease, or cancel your donation whenever you wish. 4. An update with the latest Peter’s Place happenings will be sent to you, along with some exciting SQUAD SWAG! As a special incentive, the first 23 donors to sign up will receive a green tote bag from Peter’s Place, commemorating 23 years of providing grief support programs! Join Sam's Squad today!

Have you had a chance to read our Fall Newsletter? ⭐💚 Get to know Maya and her mom, Wendy, in our yearly report! Their story is one of love, strength, and connection. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gdmbPQ79 Not on our email / mailing list? Stay connected and never miss a Peter’s Place update or story, like Maya and Wendy's, by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/dm8siwq

Since 2020, the number of grieving children and teens has grown, and it's more important than ever that we come together to raise awareness and provide the support they need. Today, on National Children's Grief Awareness Day, we're proud to release our Fall Newsletter, dedicated to supporting grieving children and teens. In this issue we highlight the meaningful connections our group participants create and celebrate key organizational milestones! Click here to read the full report and see how your support is helping us make a lasting change: https://lnkd.in/gdmbPQ79

Popcorn, cookies, pajamas, and plenty of giggles🍿🎬 Movie night watching Inside Out 2 with our 7–10-year old group participants was so fun and a great way for them to meet others who aren't in their group. Gathering outside of the support group experience allows children to create more connections and foster an enhanced sense of community. While Inside Out 2 may not focus exclusively on grief, it explores the many themes around emotions, growth, and change. We can’t wait until the next movie night! ⭐️💚

Peter’s Place was glad to attend the New York Life Insurance Company Foundation's Day of Learning in recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Month yesterday. This event offered great resources and we enjoyed listening to experts Sesame Workshop Jeanette Betancourt, New York Life Foundation's Heather Nesle, and National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) Megan Lopez. 

One week later, and Mimi and Marissa are still feeling inspired and empowered by their incredible experience at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women! So many powerful voices, inspiring stories, and invaluable insights taken with them to apply to their work at Peter’s Place. ⭐️💚

Congratulations to Eleanor Morsbach Godin, Board Emeritus, who received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award at AFP’s National Philanthropy Day Awards Gala Breakfast this morning! Eleanor has been a dedicated advocate, supporter, and leader at Peter’s Place. Initially involved in every aspect of the organization, from administrative tasks to facilitating grief support groups, she helped the organization grow from a small, volunteer-driven organization into a thriving nonprofit with an annual budget exceeding $900,000. Eleanor continues to be a passionate advocate for the mission of Peter’s Place and is truly deserving of this award. Also, a huge shout out and congratulations to Trish Corvo, Development Manager, for being the 2024 AFP M. Jane Williams Professional Development Award recipient! With this generous award, Trish will be attending the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Symposium in Kansas City this June to advance her knowledge and leadership skills within the grief support community. Congratulations to them both again on these well-deserved honors! ⭐️💚

To All Professionals⭐💚 In just 10 days, Peter's Place is pleased to offer the following professional development opportunity: Navigating Childhood Grief. Approximately 1 in 11 children in Pennsylvania will lose a parent or sibling before their 18th birthday. While many mental health professionals are tasked with supporting these grieving children, many feel inadequately equipped to assist school-aged youth. This presentation aims to enhance your comprehension of child development through the lens of grief. Learn more or register here: https://lnkd.in/gfHPVn4X